Difference between revisions of "Reduce Dust in Your House"
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| − | + | Dust is an accumulation of tiny particles that include bits of cloth fibers, paper, hair, pet dander, skin cells, dirt, and more. Letting it build up can lead to allergies and other health problems, so it's a good idea to keep it under control. This article will show you how to reduce dust in your house. | |
== 10 Second Summary == | == 10 Second Summary == | ||
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# Clean or upgrade your air filters. If your house is heated and/or cooled by a central system, you can change the filters as a means of controlling dust levels in your air. Dust will continue to build up in your home, but a quality filter can slow down the rate of dust accumulation. | # Clean or upgrade your air filters. If your house is heated and/or cooled by a central system, you can change the filters as a means of controlling dust levels in your air. Dust will continue to build up in your home, but a quality filter can slow down the rate of dust accumulation. | ||
#* A standard air filter will only filter big particles from the air to prevent damage to your heating or cooling systems. To reduce dust, it is recommended that you use high-quality paper or pleated fabric filters that are disposable and replace them every 1 to 3 months. | #* A standard air filter will only filter big particles from the air to prevent damage to your heating or cooling systems. To reduce dust, it is recommended that you use high-quality paper or pleated fabric filters that are disposable and replace them every 1 to 3 months. | ||
| − | #Get an air purifier. These machines clean the air by trapping dust particles. They're great for high-dust households or families with dust allergies.<ref>http://magazine.foxnews.com/at-home/8-easy-ways-reduce-dust</ref> Air purifiers only clean the air in the room they're in, so consider getting one for each bedroom and the living room. | + | #Get an air purifier. These machines clean the air by trapping dust particles. They're great for high-dust households or families with dust allergies.<ref name="rf17128">http://magazine.foxnews.com/at-home/8-easy-ways-reduce-dust</ref> Air purifiers only clean the air in the room they're in, so consider getting one for each bedroom and the living room. |
===Cleaning Up Dust=== | ===Cleaning Up Dust=== | ||
| − | #Vacuum twice a week. Using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter will ensure that you're sucking up as much dust as possible. Vacuum all the carpeting in your home, focusing especially on high-traffic areas. You can also vacuum other flooring. Vacuuming frequently really cuts down on how much dust is able to build up under furniture and in corners - you'll probably notice a difference right away.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/how-to-make-your-house-safer</ref> | + | #Vacuum twice a week. Using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter will ensure that you're sucking up as much dust as possible. Vacuum all the carpeting in your home, focusing especially on high-traffic areas. You can also vacuum other flooring. Vacuuming frequently really cuts down on how much dust is able to build up under furniture and in corners - you'll probably notice a difference right away.<ref name="rf17129">http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/how-to-make-your-house-safer</ref> |
#*Be sure to change your vacuum filter frequently. | #*Be sure to change your vacuum filter frequently. | ||
#*Make sure your vacuum is in good working order. A broken vacuum will just spit the dust back into the air, making the problem worse. | #*Make sure your vacuum is in good working order. A broken vacuum will just spit the dust back into the air, making the problem worse. | ||
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#*For those items you really want to keep, consider moving some of them to a room that isn't used as frequently by your family. That way, the main rooms in your house won't be as likely to accumulate dust. | #*For those items you really want to keep, consider moving some of them to a room that isn't used as frequently by your family. That way, the main rooms in your house won't be as likely to accumulate dust. | ||
#Remove piles of magazines and books. As these items degrade over time, they produce a lot of dust. Having piles of them around the house is a sure way to create a dusty atmosphere. Place your books on bookshelves, and regularly recycle magazines and other paper items. Store paper items you want to keep in plastic bags so they won't make your house dusty. | #Remove piles of magazines and books. As these items degrade over time, they produce a lot of dust. Having piles of them around the house is a sure way to create a dusty atmosphere. Place your books on bookshelves, and regularly recycle magazines and other paper items. Store paper items you want to keep in plastic bags so they won't make your house dusty. | ||
| − | #Use fewer textiles in your house.<ref>http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/keep-dust-down/index.html</ref> Throw blankets, pillows, tablecloths, and plushy furniture also contribute to household dust - by producing it and trapping it, too. If you can pare down your linen and cloth items, you'll see a reduction in the amount of dust flying around the house. | + | #Use fewer textiles in your house.<ref name="rf17130">http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/keep-dust-down/index.html</ref> Throw blankets, pillows, tablecloths, and plushy furniture also contribute to household dust - by producing it and trapping it, too. If you can pare down your linen and cloth items, you'll see a reduction in the amount of dust flying around the house. |
#*Instead of buying cloth furniture, go for leather or wood. It may be that one piece of older furniture is disintegrating and producing dust. If so, get rid of it. | #*Instead of buying cloth furniture, go for leather or wood. It may be that one piece of older furniture is disintegrating and producing dust. If so, get rid of it. | ||
#*Wash your blankets and pillows frequently. | #*Wash your blankets and pillows frequently. | ||
